Singapore Warns Against Weaponising Strait of Hormuz as Global Precedent

Singapore’s leadership has issued a firm warning that allowing any party to weaponise an international waterway like the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for global maritime order. Speaking at a virtual conference on freedom of navigation on April 17, 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed that such actions undermine the rules-based system governing the world’s busiest sea lanes.

“Allowing any party to illegally weaponise an international waterway sets a ‘dangerous precedent’,” Wong said. “If we were to do so, we will end up in a more disorderly and unstable world – one governed by coercion and force rather than rules.” He emphasized that Singapore feels this acutely due to its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca and the Singapore Strait, two of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

The Prime Minister reiterated that keeping critical sea lanes open, secure, and accessible to all is in the international community’s collective interest. His remarks came during a virtual meeting of around 40 countries focused on supporting a ceasefire in the Middle East, enhancing security cooperation, and securing shipping routes amid ongoing regional tensions.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong echoed these concerns, reaffirming Singapore’s principled stance against negotiating for access to the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that transit passage is a legal right under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and should not be subject to payment or conditional agreements. “Such rights apply to all international straits and should not be subject to negotiation or payment,” Gan said, warning that paying tolls for passage could undermine global maritime norms.

Gan also highlighted the risks posed by Iran’s shadow oil trade, noting that covert shipments continue to move through regional waters near Singapore despite sanctions and conflict. He called for stronger international cooperation to address regulatory gaps and enforce coordinated action against illicit vessel activities that threaten energy market stability.

Recent disruptions have severely impacted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran effectively closing the waterway in the early days of the conflict and attacking nearly 20 vessels. Last month, only about six vessels passed through the Strait daily on average, compared to around 135 in normal times. Officials warned that a prolonged blockade could trigger a global energy crunch, slowing economic growth and increasing inflation worldwide.

Singapore has responded by rolling out a $1 billion support package and implementing energy-saving measures across government agencies to mitigate potential fallout from prolonged disruptions to global energy flows and supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore’s leaders warn that weaponising international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz sets a dangerous precedent for global order.
• The country refuses to negotiate or pay for passage through the Strait, citing UNCLOS and the need to uphold navigational rights for all.
• Ongoing disruptions have reduced daily vessel traffic in the Strait from ~135 to just six, raising fears of a global energy crunch.
• Singapore is advancing a $1 billion support package and energy-saving initiatives to prepare for potential prolonged instability.
• Authorities call for stronger international cooperation to counter shadow fleets and close regulatory gaps in maritime enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Singapore oppose negotiating access to the Strait of Hormuz?

Singapore maintains that transit passage through international straits is a legal right under UNCLOS and should not be subject to negotiation, payment, or conditional arrangements. The country argues that accepting such practices would undermine global maritime norms and encourage coercive behaviour in other critical waterways.

What impact has the Strait of Hormuz disruption had on global shipping?

Following Iran’s closure of the Strait and attacks on nearly 20 vessels, average daily traffic dropped from about 135 vessels in normal times to only around six per day last month. This severe reduction raises concerns about a potential global energy shortage and inflationary pressure.

What is Singapore doing to prepare for prolonged disruptions?

The government has introduced a $1 billion support package and implemented energy-saving measures across public agencies to reduce vulnerability to extended instability in global energy markets and supply chains.